Lives Not Knives Working Together to Keep Children and Young People Safe
Behind the Scenes: Why We Made This Film
Before watching Lives Not Knives, you may also wish to view our short behind-the-scenes video, where the young people involved explain why they wanted to create the film and what they hope others will learn from it.
The video provides insight into the experiences, motivations and messages that shaped the project, helping viewers better understand the voices of the children and young people at the heart of the film.
Watch the Behind-the-Scenes Video
The Making of Lives Not Knives (Extended)
About the Film
Lives Not Knives is a powerful educational film developed by young people from St Peter’s RC High School to encourage conversations about serious violence, knife crime, trusted relationships and seeking help. The project was supported by Manchester Safeguarding Partnership, Manchester Children’s Safeguarding Service, Manchester City Council Community Safety, the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit and Moving Parts Media CIC.
The film explores the real impacts of violence on young people, families and communities, highlighting the importance of positive choices, trusted adults and early intervention. It has been created to support learning, reflection and discussion in schools, families and community settings.
Important Information Before Watching
Content Warning
This film contains themes relating to:
- Knife crime
- Serious violence
- Bereavement and loss
- Exploitation
- Personal experiences of the impact of violence
Some viewers may find the content upsetting or emotionally challenging. Parents, carers, professionals and educators should consider whether the film is appropriate for the individual child or young person before viewing.
Guidance for Parents and Carers
The film has been developed as a safeguarding and educational resource and is intended to encourage important conversations about safety and making positive choices.
Children and young people should talk with a parent, carer or trusted adult before watching the film.
Where possible, we encourage parents and carers to watch the film alongside children and young people and take the opportunity to discuss any questions, concerns or feelings that arise following the viewing.
If a child or young person is affected by any of the issues raised in the film, they should be encouraged to speak to a trusted adult who can help them access support.
Key Messages from the Film
The film encourages viewers to reflect on several important messages:
- Every person is more than what has happened to them.
- Real friends help keep each other safe.
- Trusted adults can provide support when things feel difficult.
- Speaking up early can prevent situations from escalating.
- One decision can have a lasting impact on many people.
As the film demonstrates, violence does not only affect individuals. It can affect families, friends, schools and entire communities.
Discussion Questions
After watching the film, adults may wish to explore some of the following questions with children and young people:
- What part of the film stayed with you most?
- What did the film make you think about?
- Who are the trusted adults in your life?
- What does a real friend do when someone is at risk?
- Why might people find it difficult to ask for help?
- What could encourage someone to speak to a trusted adult sooner?
Watch the Film
The film can be viewed at:
Further Support and Resources
Additional support and information are available from:
- I Am Greater – Positive action and violence prevention resources for young people.
- The Navigator Project – Support for young people aged 10 to 25 affected by violence in Greater Manchester.
- Fearless – Anonymous information sharing and support through Crimestoppers. Call 0800 555 111.
- Manchester Family Hubs – Advice, guidance and support for children, young people and families.
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Lives Not Knives Working Together to Keep Children and Young People Safe
Behind the Scenes: Why We Made This Film Before watching Lives Not Knives, you may also wish to view our short behind-the-scenes video, where the young people involved explain why they wanted to create the film and what they hope others will learn from it. The video provides insight into the experiences, motivations and […]
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To mark Private Fostering Awareness Day, CoramBAAF is hosting two learning events designed to increase understanding of private fostering and support effective practice. Practitioners can join a free Breakfast Briefing: An Introduction to Private Fostering from 9:00am-9:55am, Click here to book your place Or attend a Lunch & Learn session focusing on the complexities, […]
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This is a national campaign and an opportunity to raise awareness and promote the support available to everyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss. If you know someone or have experience baby loss yourself then please click on the link above to visit the campaign website to seek support.
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Major Changes to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
DBS regulations in England and Wales have changed with the removal of the Supervision Exemption. The rule was that volunteers or supervised staff who taught, trained, or cared for children did not need a Children’s Barred List check if a fully qualified person supervised them. Under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, this supervision exemption […]
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